Brilliant Egyptologist Alexandra Quinn is stunned when the man who’d shattered her young heart rescues her from an intruder at the last minute. Forced to work with the rakish Lord, they must identify a cunning murderer who’s left a blood-drenched trail from Cairo to London. Alex knows better than to trust Benedict, but the wicked promise in his kiss tempts her.
Benedict Weston, Viscount Marlsbrook, never wanted to be a hero. For years, he’s plundered antiquities in his quest to restore his family’s debt-ridden estate. Now, a killer has targeted the only woman he’s ever loved—the woman he craves with a soul-deep hunger. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect Alex—even from himself.

“A penny for your thoughts,” she said, closing her lace-gloved fingers over his hand.

For several heartbeats, he regarded her silently. He raked a hand through his hair. “If I speak the truth, I am sure you will regret the inquiry.”

“This night was far more difficult than I’d envisioned. I would appreciate your honesty.”

He leaned closer, cupping a hand against her cheek. The texture of his slightly roughened fingers against her skin set her tingling from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. “When I saw you across the ballroom tonight, it was all I could do to keep my distance.”

“If I did not know better, I would think you were jealous.”

“Jealousy is a shallow, transient emotion. What I am experiencing is far more complicated than that.” His mouth brushed hers. “I wanted you, Alexandra. More than I thought possible.”

“I do not doubt that, Benedict.” She leaned against him, drinking in his warmth. “The truth of that statement was quite evident last night.”

“I won’t deny that I want you in my bed. You would see through such a bold lie in a heartbeat. Besides, I’ve no reason to pretend I’m not drawn to you. You are beautiful… every man in that ballroom would’ve given his last shilling for a chance with you.” Each word was uttered in a low, husky rasp. “But…there’s more.”

A thrill rippled through her, deep-seated and primal. For so long, she’d been content with the excitement of a successful expedition and her research. She’d been happy enough. But there’d been a void in her life she had never acknowledged. She’d never stopped wanting Benedict. Never stopped needing him. Now, touching him, feeling his gentle breath against her cheek, her thirst for him intensified. She craved his touch. His scent. His kiss. His poignant confession spurred an elemental satisfaction. Knowing how very much he wanted her, just as she yearned for him, filled her heart.

“I crave you, Alexandra.” His arms loosely caged her against him, seductive and bold. Yet, he allowed her the choice to stay within his embrace, or free herself from his hold.

He ducked his head, capturing her mouth in a kiss. He was temptation personified. The sweet pressure of his lips against hers was far too delicious to forgo, no matter how vigorously her good sense protested.

“Stay with me tonight,” he breathed against her mouth. “Tell me you’ll be mine until the dawn.”

Tara is giving away a digital copy of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord.

For a chance to win comment with the answer to this question:

Do you enjoy the second chance at romance trope?

About Tara Kingston

Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and adventures of the heart. A Southern-belle-out-of-water in a quaint Pennsylvania town, she lives her own love story with her real-life hero and a pair of deceptively innocent-looking kitties in a cozy Victorian. The mother of two sons, Tara’s a former librarian whose love of books is evident in her popping-at-the-seams bookcases. It goes without saying that Tara’s husband is thankful for the invention of digital books, thereby eliminating the need for yet another set of shelves. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, she enjoys movie nights, cycling, hiking, DIY projects, and cheering on her favorite football team. You can find Tara at www.tarakingston.com and on Facebook, Twitter (@TaraKingston115) and Pinterest

Comments

it’s one of my favorites!!! I love that the awkward meet and greet and puppy love stages are over. Now we get to see the true meat and bones of a relationship as both people discover what they truly want and burn away the misconceptions and misunderstandings. Thanks for sharing!

I love when a rake or Rouge is giving a second chance especially the ones where they marry the heron and disappear for a while and come back to try and win the heron back especially if the marriage was never consummated and she’s trying to get it in my moment or something so she can marry a different person that you met and he has to fight for

Second chance is my favorite because I thi k of myself. I loved my first husband but he didn’t love me. I’m waiting on my second chance to loved and treated with respect that deserve. So second chance at love I will read till I finish.